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Horseback Riding Instructor Jobs in San Jose, CA

Menlo Circus Club

Riding Instructor

Atherton, CA · On-site

Riding Instructors work with the horse and rider to help them bond as a pair. Duties include sharing techniques and teaching riders how to communicate with their horse. In addition, Riding ...

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Horseback Riding Instructor information

See San Jose, CA salary details

$10

$19

$32

How much do horseback riding instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for horseback riding instructor in San Jose, CA is $19.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $20.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a horseback riding instructor?

A Horseback Riding Instructor teaches individuals how to ride and properly care for horses. They provide guidance on riding techniques, safety procedures, and horse handling for beginners to advanced riders. Instructors may also train students for competitions, trail riding, or therapeutic riding programs. Their responsibilities include evaluating riders' skills, developing lesson plans, and ensuring horse and rider safety. Some instructors specialize in specific disciplines, such as dressage, jumping, or western riding.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a horseback riding instructor?

A typical day for a Horseback Riding Instructor includes planning and conducting riding lessons, assessing students’ progress, and ensuring the safety and well-being of both riders and horses. Instructors often manage horse care, prepare equipment (tack), and may assist with stable maintenance or administrative tasks related to lesson scheduling. Collaboration with other staff, trainers, and sometimes parents or guardians is common, especially in larger facilities or riding schools. Flexibility and adaptability are important, as lesson content and the workday may shift depending on weather, horse availability, or student needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the horseback riding instructor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Horseback Riding Instructor, you need a solid understanding of horsemanship, riding techniques, safety protocols, and experience handling horses, often complemented by certifications such as PATH International or CHA instructor credentials. Familiarity with lesson planning, training aids, tack equipment, and barn management systems is also valuable. Strong communication, patience, and motivational skills help instructors effectively teach students of varying ages and skill levels. These competencies ensure a safe, engaging, and educational environment for both riders and horses, fostering skill development and client satisfaction.

How can I become a horseback riding instructor?

To become a horseback riding instructor, you typically need to gain riding experience, obtain relevant certifications such as those from the Certified Horsemanship Association or equivalent, and develop teaching skills. Many instructors start as stable staff or riding students before pursuing instructor certification and gaining teaching experience in a stable or riding school environment.

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What cities near San Jose, CA are hiring for Horseback Riding Instructor jobs?

Cities near San Jose, CA with the most Horseback Riding Instructor job openings:

Horseback Riding Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Horseback Riding Instructor job openings in San Jose, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,529 per year, or $19 per hour.

Riding Instructor

Menlo Circus Club

Atherton, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description:

The Riding Instructor teaches horsemanship and safety skills to all ages under the direction of the Lead Riding Instructor. Riding Instructors work with the horse and rider to help them bond as a pair. Duties include sharing techniques and teaching riders how to communicate with their horse. In addition, Riding Instructors provide care to school horses. The position requires working inside and outside and may require prolonged exposure to dust, hay, mold, rain, sunlight, wind, and cold.


Must have unrestricted ability to work in the United States


Weekend work required


Requirements:
  • Teaches beginner through intermediate riders in the English style discipline, giving constructive feedback.
  • Schedules lessons, handles riding school inquiries and keeps clients informed.
  • Sets jump courses as needed to accommodate individual students.
  • Promotes a culture of safety, kind handling of horses, and teamwork. Adheres to and models USEF Safe Sport rules.
  • Reports any accidents or injuries that occur to the Lead Riding Instructor or Equestrian Operations Manager.
  • Plans, organizes, and executes camps, barn parties and other equestrian events. Tracks lessons and charges fees using POS system.
  • Ensures tack is kept clean and keeps tack room clean and orderly.
  • Rides and trains school horses as needed.
  • Cares for the well-being of school horses, including grooming and exercising, and assists during veterinary and farrier appointments as needed.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • Excellent horsemanship and English riding skills
  • Excellent English verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to be patient and kind while working with children
  • Proficient in Equine first-aid

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

  • Minimum 3 years teaching beginner through intermediate horsemanship and riding skills, including children.
  • Experience participating in equestrian competitive events preferred.
  • Riding Instructor/Coaching certification preferred.
  • Computer literacy preferred.
  • First-aid certification a plus.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to be on feet for up to 85% of shift.
  • Ability to lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 50 pounds, bend, stoop, squat, kneel, twist, and turn for prolonged periods of time.


Weekend work required



Must have unrestricted ability to work in the United States